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EEOC Lawyer: How The Lange Firm Helps You File and Win Discrimination Claims

If you’ve experienced discrimination, harassment, or retaliation at work, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency that investigates and enforces workplace discrimination laws. But navigating the EEOC process isn’t always easy. That’s where an experienced EEOC lawyer makes a major difference.

At The Lange Firm, we represent employees across Texas who have been mistreated at work due to their race, sex, disability, religion, or other protected status. In this article, we’ll explain how the EEOC process works, what an EEOC lawyer does, and how to give your case the strongest chance of success.

What Is the EEOC?

The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) is a federal agency that enforces anti-discrimination laws in the workplace. It oversees cases involving:

• Race and color discrimination

• Gender and pregnancy discrimination

• Disability and medical condition discrimination

• Sexual orientation and gender identity bias

• Religious discrimination

• Retaliation against whistleblowers or those who file complaints

• Age discrimination (for employees 40+)

The EEOC is the first step in filing a federal discrimination lawsuit. In most cases, you must file with the EEOC before you can sue your employer.

What Does an EEOC Lawyer Do?

An EEOC lawyer is an employment attorney who helps you:

• Prepare and file your initial EEOC complaint

• Respond to requests for documentation or interviews

• Represent you during EEOC mediation

• Negotiate settlements with employers

• File a federal lawsuit after a Right-to-Sue letter is issued

• Guide you through appeals if the case is dismissed

The Lange Firm supports employees at every stage—from reporting to resolution—so you’re not navigating the system alone.

Who Can File an EEOC Complaint?

You may file an EEOC complaint if you believe your employer took action against you based on:

• Your race, ethnicity, or color

• Your sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity)

• Your national origin or citizenship status

• Your religion or lack thereof

• Your age (40+)

• Your disability status

• Your history of protected activity (e.g., reporting harassment)

You must typically file your charge within 180 days of the alleged violation, or up to 300 days if your state has its own anti-discrimination laws (like Texas).

Step-by-Step: How the EEOC Process Works

✅ Step 1: File a Charge of Discrimination

You begin by submitting a Charge of Discrimination with the EEOC. This is a formal complaint that includes:

• Who discriminated against you

• When it happened

• What evidence or witnesses you have

• What you want as a resolution (reinstatement, back pay, etc.)

The Lange Firm helps clients draft strong charges with supporting documents and clear narratives.

✅ Step 2: EEOC Review and Notification

The EEOC sends a copy of your charge to your employer within 10 days. Your employer must respond, and both sides may be invited to mediation.

✅ Step 3: Mediation or Investigation

If mediation fails or is skipped, the EEOC will open an investigation. This may include:

• Interviews

• Document reviews

• Employer responses (called a “position statement”)

• Requests for your rebuttal

Investigations can take 6 to 12 months or more.

✅ Step 4: Determination or Right-to-Sue Letter

The EEOC will either:

• Issue a Letter of Determination, stating that discrimination likely occurred

• Dismiss the charge

• Issue a Right-to-Sue Letter, giving you 90 days to file a lawsuit in court

At this point, an EEOC lawyer can help you take your case to trial if needed.

What If the EEOC Dismisses My Case?

Even if your charge is dismissed, you may still have legal options. With a Right-to-Sue Letter, you can file your own lawsuit in federal court within 90 days. Dismissal just means the EEOC chose not to pursue the claim—it doesn’t mean your case lacks merit.

Why Hire an EEOC Lawyer?

You don’t have to hire a lawyer to file with the EEOC—but without legal help, many employees:

• Miss key deadlines

• Struggle to gather or present evidence

• Accept unfair settlements

• Get overwhelmed by employer legal teams

Hiring an EEOC lawyer increases your chances of:

• Reaching a fair settlement

• Proving your case with strong evidence

• Protecting your job and career

• Securing compensation for back pay, pain and suffering, and more

At The Lange Firm, we protect our clients from retaliation and help ensure their voice is heard.

What Can You Recover in an EEOC Claim or Lawsuit?

If you win your case or settle, you may be entitled to:

• Back pay and lost benefits

• Reinstatement or promotion

• Pain and suffering damages

• Emotional distress compensation

• Punitive damages (in extreme cases)

• Attorney’s fees and court costs

Damages may be capped depending on the size of the employer, but your lawyer can help you maximize what you’re owed.

Can You Be Retaliated Against for Filing an EEOC Complaint?

No—retaliation is strictly prohibited under federal law. If you’re fired, demoted, harassed, or given unfair evaluations because of your complaint, you can file a separate retaliation charge.

Retaliation is the most frequently filed charge at the EEOC.

How The Lange Firm Supports EEOC Clients

At The Lange Firm, we:

• Analyze whether your case qualifies under EEOC rules

• File your complaint and gather evidence

• Handle communications with the EEOC and your employer

• Negotiate settlements and represent you at mediation

• File lawsuits in state or federal court if needed

We serve clients throughout Texas, including Houston, Sugar Land, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio.

Final Thoughts: Do You Need an EEOC Lawyer?

If you’re facing discrimination, harassment, or retaliation at work, you don’t have to fight alone. An EEOC lawyer from The Lange Firm can give you a voice, protect your job, and help you pursue justice.

📞 Call The Lange Firm today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you stand up for your rights with confidence.